Journalism (War and International Human Rights) | MA

Dr Sanem Şahin - Programme Leader

Sanem Şahin is Senior Lecturer in Journalism. Her research interests include peace and conflict reporting, journalistic roles, marginalised communities, and human rights. Her first monograph, ‘Reporting Conflict and Peace in Cyprus: Journalism Matter’, is published by Palgrave MacMillan in 2022. She is currently involved in polarisation, disinformation, and social media projects in conflict societies.

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Welcome to MA Journalism (War and International Human Rights)

MA Journalism (War and International Human Rights) focuses on the study of war reporting and international human rights. It provides an opportunity to analyse the role of the news media and journalism in conflicts, peace efforts, and human rights.

This challenging postgraduate programme offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience in print, broadcast, and online media and is designed to help students develop the practical and intellectual skills necessary for a career in the media. The final project enables students to focus on a specific area of journalism, war and international human rights.

Journalism at Lincoln has a close working relationship with BBC Lincolnshire and a partnership with local news provider Lincolnshire Live and its sister publication the Lincolnshire Echo. The Lincs Live team is based on campus and students have opportunities to work alongside its professional journalists during the course.

How You Study

Students can learn in lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. This will incorporate 'newsdays' which replicate industry newsrooms.

Teaching usually takes place on two full days per week. Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Advanced Research Methods 2023-24JOU9200MLevel 72023-24This module provides the opportunity to develop a methodological understanding and to receive support and advice on the final project. You will then be expected to prepare a written proposal for a dissertation, a documentary project, or a portfolio of articles.CoreEssential Reporting 2023-24JOU9203MLevel 72023-24This module introduces students to the processes of newsgathering and writing news and features for a range of platforms. It aims to develop a critical understanding of editorial processes in news organisations and a working knowledge of how news and feature ideas are generated and packaged for different markets and readerships.CoreInternational Human Rights (Journalism) 2023-24JOU9167MLevel 72023-24This module aims to highlight the importance of a critical and comparative knowledge of human rights issues to the practice of journalism. You have the chance to explore human rights issues (such as privacy, confidentiality and freedom of expression) that are particularly relevant to the practice of journalism.CoreJournalism Production 2023-24JOU9204MLevel 72023-24This module introduces students to the editorial and production skills required for multiplatform and digital news production. The module focuses on newsgathering and preparing news content for broadcast and online. Students can work in a newsroom environment under appropriate time constraints, experiencing the pressures of operating as a multimedia journalist across a range of broadcast and web-based platforms, including social media.CoreMA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation 2023-24JOU9170MLevel 72023-24The Final Project or Dissertation module consists of either a dissertation, portfolio of articles, radio or television documentary or chapters for a book or webpages. You are expected to spend the final term during the summer on self-directed learning, having already decided on the form of project that you will produce. You will be allocated your own tutor for support and guidance. This final project provides an opportunity to research and make an in-depth study of your chosen study area.CoreMedia Law 2023-24JOU9156MLevel 72023-24This module introduces students to the areas of the law most likely to be encountered in the practice of journalism and the practice of PR and related communications activities. Students will investigate the interaction between journalism, PR, communications and the law, and gain a clear insight into the relationships between journalists and officials, PR/communications practitioners and their clients/employers, and how information is communicated to an increasingly diverse public.CoreSpecialist Journalism Production 2023-24JOU9201MLevel 72023-24From a digital first perspective and focusing, in particular, on news and feature content in your specialist field(s) of interest, this module aims to develop the key skills of journalism through regular practice, including newsgathering, writing and interviewing, and live output production with text and audio and video output as required. Online skills will be used throughout, including social media to drive consumers to the content. The journalism and features produced will be outward facing, using techniques of electronic newsgathering, digital and non-linear editing, production/journalism for online and print, and an appropriate range of live news broadcasting techniques. On this module, you are expected to take up a work placement in one or several different media organisations of your choice. The module provides prior guidance, together with career advice. Tutors will help with research of the employment market, as you arrange international, national or local work placements, and will support you as you build an individual career profile, CV and work experience portfolio.CoreWar and the Media 2023-24JOU9171MLevel 72023-24This module is about how the news media represent wars. It explores the challenges journalists face when reporting conflicts and studies how news management is used to control information during times of war. Conflict reporting has been transformed with new media technologies. The seminars examine the impact of new technologies on journalism and discuss alternative ways of reporting conflicts, such as peace journalism.Core

How you are assessed

Assessments are a mixture of essays, presentations, portfolios of journalism, broadcast media packages, and timed examinations. However, it should be noted that assessments can be varied from time to time to reflect changes in good practice in both academic and vocational disciplines.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Students are required to do a ten-day work placement as part of the course.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required, depending on your course.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or second class honours degree or equivalent professional experience.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

Key research areas in the department include:

War and the Media
Journalism and Conflict Resolution
International Human Rights for Journalists
Core Broadcast
Core Writing
Law and Institutions
Research and Professional Placement
Final Project or Dissertation

Guest Speakers

During term-time, prominent journalists give guest lectures to audiences of undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School. Recent speakers have included John Pilger, Nick Davies, William Lewis, Libby Purves, Dorothy Byrne, Angela Rippon, and Martin Bell.

Days Taught

Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options. Full time students should expect approximately 12 hours of contact time per week and should be prepared to undertake at least two hours of self-study for every taught hour.

Career and Personal Development

Core modules are designed to support and prepare students for a career in journalism. There are a number of opportunities to gain relevant experience by working for campus media, including the community and student radio stations, a multiplatform website, and the student newspaper.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

MA Journalism (War and International Human Rights)